Boeing has made headlines with the announcement of significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft. On Monday, the company revealed it had secured commitments for up to 80 planes from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. Following recent market pressure from competitor Airbus, which made inroads with these airlines during Boeing’s ongoing difficulties with its 737 Max, these new bookings indicate Boeing’s determination to reclaim its position.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed the company’s appreciation for its enduring partnership with Japan Airlines, stating, “We value our long-standing partnership with Japan Airlines and are pleased that they have re-selected the 787 Dreamliner as they continue to modernize their world-class fleet.”
This announcement coincides with the first day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a key event in the aviation industry calendar. Japan Airlines has placed an order for 10 Dreamliners with an option for an additional 10. Meanwhile, Korean Air has requested 20 777-9 models and 20 787-10 planes, also with the option for 10 more 787-10s.
Reference to the “long-standing partnership” highlights a shift reported by Reuters in March, indicating Japan Airlines had purchased 11 A321neo jets from Airbus, marking a departure from its exclusive reliance on Boeing for single-aisle aircraft. This shift came at a time when the 737 Max was embroiled in controversy and facing production cuts.
Bloomberg reported similarly that Korean Air had taken orders for several Airbus wide-body jets, a move interpreted as a rejection of the 777X, which is only now nearing regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, commented on Korean Air’s selection, saying, “We are honored Korean Air has selected our largest, most efficient widebody airplanes to add capacity to its global network. Boeing airplanes have played an integral role with Korean Air over the past 50 years, and the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will continue to support the airline’s long-term goals for sustainability and continued growth.”